While Wales dominated first-half territory, the South Africans were clinical with the possession they had.

Nearly every venture into Wales' 22 resulted in points for the world champions.

Outside-half Francois Steyn got their first points of the game, sending over an early penalty, after Wales number eight Jonathan Thomas had been penalised for a high tackle on Bakkies Botha.

The set-piece was always going to be the most crucial area of the game and Wales struggled in both the line-out and in the scrum.

In particular, prop Rhys Thomas, making his first Wales start, was being given a torrid time by CJ van der Linde.

It took the South Africans until midway through the first half to get their first try of the afternoon.

Flanker Juan Smith scored it, beating several weak tackles and make it 10-0.

Hook, who had earlier dislocated a finger, was then the victim of a high tackle from South African flanker Schalk Burger to give Wales their first opportunity to add some points.

But Hook, still rattled from the hit by Burger, sent his penalty wide from in front of the posts.

The Springboks punished Wales with two tries in five minutes, both coming from centre Fourie.

His first came in the corner after quick hands gave South Africa space out wide.

Minutes later a clinical move from a South African line-out saw Fourie cut through the Wales midfield with ease.

Francois Steyn congratulates coach Jake White after his last game

Wales looked to be heading towards a first-half whitewash but just before the break Charvis finished off Stoddart's chip and chase for 22-5.

It was Charvis' 22nd try for Wales, also making him the world record try scorer for a forward.

South Africa took just four minutes to respond in the second half with the unusually quiet Bryan Habana showing blistering pace out wide before releasing Pietersen to cross for 27-10.

Andre Pretorius sent over the conversion, his third of the game, as South Africa moved into a comfortable lead.

Wales continued to plug away and Stoddart, making his Wales debut, got his reward for a decent game.

James Hook created it, launching a cross-field kick behind South Africa's defence for Stoddart to gratefully receive and touch down for Wales' second try.

That sparked mass changes from both sides and the game became disrupted as a result.

Mike Phillips injected his usual physical presence following his introduction, upsetting more than one South Africa player in the process.

But South Africa continued to put pressure on Wales' defence and with 12 minutes remaining number eight Kankowski finished off an overlap to increase his side's lead.

Wales pressed for their third try of the game but the experienced South African defence held out to send White off in style.

For Wales' new coach Warren Gatland, who takes over from caretaker coach Davies, the performances of several of the newcomers to the squad would have given him encouragement ahead of next year's Six Nations.